For the second time in a row, the game started off with a bit of a flukey goal. Michael Hutchinson struggled stopping a weird redirection from Derek McKenzie.

Mark Scheifele tied things up in the second with a deadly wrist shot, only to have the Panthers score on another tip-in. This time the Florida goal came from Brad Boyes. Tyler Myers was injured at one point and tried to return at one point, but the Jets shut him down for the remainder of the game.

Drew Stafford tied things up once again, but it was not meant to be. The young and talented Alexander Barkov regained the lead, and Nick Bjugstad scored the insurance empty-netter.

Let’s break it down.

Three Keys

Hutch not so clutch – Hutchinson has been struggling ever since the All-Star break. There are a lot out there that are panicking… but it isn’t time yet. Hutchinson’s recent struggles are about as telling as his early elite play. The truth is likely in the middle. Jets fans will just need to pray that they get the middle or better performance soon, as they will need a bit of luck at this point.

Youth Movement – There were some positive points. While Jacob Trouba and Mark Scheifele did have their negative moments, they also did show some flashes that make them players who are good now and may be great in the future.

Sky is not yet falling – Less a comment about the game but more big picture. The Jets went on a road trip missing their #1 defender and their #1 centre. If they can pick up a win in their next game, splitting the road trip won’t be too bad in retrospect.